Google and Intel unveil more powerful and more frugal Chromebooks

Eyeing a fresh push for its budget-minded Chromebook line, Google has teamed up with Intel to unleash a wave of new models from the likes of Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, and Toshiba.

Just last week, we heard about a new Intel Core i3-powered version of the great Acer C720, which is now pegged for late summer at a price of US$349.99. Dell’s existing Chromebook 11 will also see an i3 processor bump around the same time, The Verge reports.

While those models will emphasize more power than we’re used to from the Chromebook line, we’ll also soon be seeing Chromebooks that use Intel’s weaker Bay Trail-M chips—a trade-off that decreases the processing grunt to flagship smartphone levels but also removes the need for a fan and promises a whopping 11 hours of battery life.

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Even more to come

LG Chromebase

Among those Bay Trail-powered models are Lenovo’s N20 and N20p, the latter of which has a rotating touchscreen. The N20 will be out in July in the States for US$279, while the N20p hits in August for US$329.

Asus is planning 13.3in C300 and 11.6in C200 Chromebooks for this year, while Acer will have its own Bay Trail-M model (which has yet to be detailed), as well.

Google also mentioned that Toshiba has a 13in Chromebook incoming, along with the previously announced HP Chromebox and LG Chromebase (pictured)—the last of those being an all-in-one desktop due out on 26 May in the United States for US$349.99.

While all feature modest specs and the divisive Chrome OS, the wider array of options and power-boosted models make the Chromebook seem all the more appealing to the entry-level notebook buyer. Maybe some Intel-backed oomph is what it needs to really catch on.